Stories of Courage: Revolutionary War Heroes Laid to Rest in Milwaukee County

MILWAUKEE COUNTY — The first shots of the Revolutionary War rang out on the morning of April 19, 1775 in Lexington, Mass. The treaty of Paris was signed eight years later in 1783, officially ending the war and recognized American independence.

Wisconsin is the final resting place for 40 of these early patriots, including 4 in Milwaukee County. Here is your chance to get a history lesson on these brave people, and read their life stories:

GEORGE DILL, SR, Private, former Hessian, New York Line

Died Milwaukee, Milwaukee County (Grave site not located)

JAMES MORGAN, Private, Evan's Virginia Troops

Buried Wauwautosa Cemetery, Wauwautosa, Milwaukee County

JOHN SHIRTLEFF, Private, Well's Co., Connecticut Militia

Died Milwaukee, Milwaukee County (Grave site not located)

JESSE WORDEN, Private, Col. Prentiss’ New York Troop

Died Granville, Milwaukee County (Grave site not located)

It is believed that more than 200,000 U.S. troops participated over the course of the war. Accounts of the loss of life on the American side vary greatly due to illness and starvation. It is widely believed that at least 25,000 American Patriots died during active military service: 6,800 in battle; 17,000 from disease, including about 8,000–12,000 who died of starvation or disease brought on by deplorable conditions while prisoners of war.

The Wisconsin Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (WISSAR) has verified that 40 solders had relocated to the Wisconsin Territory after the war and were buried in Wisconsin at their death.

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